Ga. Senate Passes Social Media Bill

Internet industry groups condemned a Georgia social media bill Wednesday. The Senate voted 33-21 Tuesday to pass SB-393, which is modeled after Texas and Florida laws that were enjoined by federal district courts (see 2202150068). If enacted, the Georgia measure “would force social media to host state-run media like RT while denying their ability to remove other awful but lawful content,” said NetChoice Vice President Carl Szabo in a statement. “The First Amendment protects us all, including private businesses, from being forced to host the state-run content that this legislation would compel them to.” Computer & Communications Industry Association State Policy Director Alyssa Doom said “in addition to being unconstitutional, the Georgia legislation would act as a barrier for digital services trying to keep Georgians safe online.” An Ohio House committee held a hearing on the similar HB-441 Tuesday (see 2203080071). A Tennessee Senate committee Tuesday delayed until the following Tuesday two similar bills (SB-2380 and SB-2161). “We urge legislatures across the country to reject these bills, which conflict with the First Amendment by forcing private companies to carry speech,” said Doom. The Alaska Senate State Affairs Committee plans to mull a social media bill (SB-214) Thursday at 3:30 p.m. EST.